Peak’s double double leads Razorbacks

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Junior Keira Peak scored 80 points over three days including a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds leading the University of Arkansas to a 79-67 win over Oregon Sunday.

"She was just on fire," said Arkansas head coach Tom Collen. "She played her heart out. The thing that stands out is how hard she played and I’m so proud of her."

Arkansas (5-1) matched Oregon’s blistering pace and struggled with that in the first five minutes trialing early. After a Razorback timeout, Arkansas responded shooting 17-29 for 59 percent in the final 15 minutes of the first half exploding to a 45-28 halftime advantage.

The Razorbacks got balanced play offensively with four players in double figures in the game. Joining Peak was Jhasmin Bowen and Sarah Watkins with 14 points each and 11 points from Quistelle Williams as the Razorback post players got the job done.

"We were able to finish with three of our post players in double figures and that’s where we were able to make some hay," Collen said. "We had a mis-match in the paint and Joey Bailey got us started down there. She had a nice day too."

Bailey had four rebounds for Arkansas.

The Razorbacks stepped up defensively forcing 27 Oregon turnovers and scoring 23 points off those mistakes. Arkansas also got 38 points in the paint.

Oregon started the second half with the same approach as they did the game, coming out of the locker room looking for the long distance shot. They hit a couple of quick three pointers but again the Razorbacks stepped up the defensive pressure and forced Oregon into a half-court offense they struggled to run.

Arkansas led by as many as 21 before finishing with the 12-point win over the Ducks.

"All in all I’m pretty happy," said Collen."

The Razorbacks return to Fayetteville late tonight and host Texas Southern Thursday at 7 p.m.